Murdered PC's dad proud to receive emblem award

The father of a murdered police officer has said he felt an "immense feeling of pride and relief" receiving an award which recognises his daughter's sacrifice in the line of duty.

Bryn Hughes' daughter Nicola was killed along with her colleague Fiona Bone while working for Greater Manchester Police in 2012.

Mr Hughes has campaigned for years for the posthumous honour and was among 30 families to receive one of the inaugural Elizabeth Emblems from King Charles during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

He said it had "been a long journey", adding that the King had thanked him for his "tenacity".

He added: "We always said at the beginning, we're never going to give up."

The award, given to the families of public servants like firefighters and police officers, is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK armed forces who have died in action or due to a terrorist attack.

The design of the award includes a rosemary wreath, which is a traditional symbol of remembrance, and the inscription: "For A Life Given In Service".

Mr Hughes said many of the other families who have been honoured had thanked him for campaigning for recognition of their loved ones.

"There were some people, going back to 1964, who never thought they'd see this day where they were actually awarded something so significant for the loss of their mums or dads," he told BBC Breakfast.

"For them to go home tonight and to look at the emblem, to do what they're going to do with it, that leaves me with an immense feeling of pride."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected] Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.